tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698059.post112033239826591104..comments2015-03-31T13:09:33.343-04:00Comments on The Mumpsimus: Inadequacies of AllegoryMatthew Cheneyhttps://plus.google.com/109233497006166204043noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698059.post-1120992839376919892005-07-10T06:53:00.000-04:002005-07-10T06:53:00.000-04:00"An audience member asked if a word could have its..."An audience member asked if a word could have its associations changed, "" <BR/><BR/>It was Gavin Grant.<BR/><BR/>"Someone else explained that the word is used because Samuel R. Delany has used it"<BR/><BR/>That was me. I believe, without checking, that it is the Dealny essay "5,280" words in Those Who Can. But it could also be in the firth of the two volumes of Delany criticism publilished by Dragon Press in the 70s.Kathryn Cramerhttp://www.kathryncramer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698059.post-1120836338583609002005-07-08T11:25:00.000-04:002005-07-08T11:25:00.000-04:00It's one thing to consciously look for metaphors i...It's one thing to consciously look for metaphors in SF and fantasy... but I don't think most "fans" are into metaphor on a conscious level.<BR/><BR/>I've become convinced that many SF and fantasy fans interpret genre fiction on a metaphorical level <I>unconsciously</I>. They are actually very sensitive to symbolic layers -- that's why some of their favorite books are read and treated with such cult-like, uncritical adoration -- but at the same time will deny any "metaphorical levels" in their favorite books if you ask them.<BR/><BR/>The stronger a story affects the reader on the subconscious level, the more he will feel attached to it on the conscious level. He will tell you that "this book is great", but if pry more incisively into just what the book is "about", he will become defensive: "It's not 'about' anything! It's just a story!"<BR/><BR/>But of course. <I>Ender's Game</I> is just a story. There's no metaphor or subtext in it whatsoever. (*Sarcasm*)A.R.Yngvehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972668378286177600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698059.post-1120836017271335812005-07-08T11:20:00.000-04:002005-07-08T11:20:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.A.R.Yngvehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972668378286177600noreply@blogger.com